4 Days in Wengen, Switzerland: The Ultimate Itinerary

The planning for this trip began 30 years ago – not because I’m disorganised or take forever to sort things out, but because I remember watching Ski Sunday, seeing the iconic Lauberhorn ski race in Wengen, Switzerland, and thinking, “One day, I’m going to go there.”

Fast forward to 2024, and it finally became a reality – and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.

I was there in the summer, and with temperatures pushing 25°C, the experience was very different from that grainy BBC2 broadcast with snow covered mountains. 

But from the moment I stepped off the Wengeralpbahn (yes, the train was as cool as it sounds – more on the views later!), I was hooked. The village was everything I expected from a Swiss mountain resort: clean, fresh, and very green.

There was even a cable car heading off to Mannlichen, ambling in and out of the centrally located station in a way that suggested it was deliberately mimicking the easy pace of village life.

This 4 days in Wengen itinerary covers how to get to Wengen, where I stayed, and what to do and eat during your visit.

A Brief History

Wengen, in the Swiss Alps, has been a popular destination for visitors since the late 19th century.

Nestled on a sunny plateau above the Lauterbrunnen Valley, it offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including the famous Jungfrau.

The village first attracted tourists in the 1860s when the railway line was extended to reach the area.

In the early 20th century, Wengen became known for its winter sports, particularly skiing.

The village’s first ski race, the Lauberhorn, was held in 1930 and quickly grew to become one of the most prestigious events in the skiing world.

Today, the Lauberhorn race is still a major event, attracting top athletes and visitors from around the globe.

Despite its popularity, Wengen has remained quieter and less hurried than some of the other nearby towns.

The village is car-free, which adds to its slow travel charm, with visitors arriving only by train or on foot.

It’s surprising, though, that while thousands flock to the Instagram hotspot of Lauterbrunnen, many don’t make the short 10 minute train ride to Wengen.

How I got to Wengen

My journey to Wengen actually kicked off in Berlin as I boarded the Nightjet sleeper train to Zurich, which not only saved me an extra night’s hotel bill but also meant I arrived fresh and ready for the day ahead, just after 9 am.

From Zurich, the excitement kicked up a notch. I caught a direct train to Interlaken – a 2-hour ride that had me glued to the window, before switching to a local train for the remaining 20-minute trip to Lauterbrunnen. Then, I was just one ride away from Wengen.

I boarded the Wengeralpbahn, a cogwheel train that climbs to Wengen in just 15 minutes. The ride itself is great – zipping past the waterfalls and dramatic cliffs of the Lauterbrunnen valley. 

Top Tip: Be sure to sit on the right side of the train for the best views, as they are incredible

While there are other ways to get to Wengen, for me, the train journey wasn’t just about getting from A to B – it was a highlight of the trip, offering me a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular views that Slow Travel in Switzerland has to offer.

Where Did I Stay

I stayed at Hotel Bernerhof, and it was a good affordable option. Right in the heart of the village, it couldn’t have been more convenient – just a few minutes’ walk from the train station, local shops and the cable car station to Mannlichen.

The room was pretty basic, but honestly, it was all I needed – a comfy bed and a clean space to crash after a day of exploring. Given that Wengen can be a bit of a wallet-buster when it comes to accommodation, I was pretty chuffed to find this for £450 for four nights. 

The best bit? The views from the room were jaw-dropping. And the worst? The only downside was the lack of air conditioning, as I’d picked the hottest week of the year to stay there. But I’d imagine it’s not much of an issue for most of the year, so I was probably just unlucky.

I didn’t get around to eating or drinking there myself, but the hotel’s restaurant and bar looked like the kind of spot you’d want to wind down in after a day hiking.

How Did I Get Around

To make the most of my time in Switzerland, I decided to buy the Swiss Half Fare Card and the Berner Oberland Pass.

The Swiss Half Fare Card cost me around £110, and it gave me 50% off most trains, buses, and boats across the country.

The Berner Oberland Pass, which I bought using the 50% discount card, set me back 196 Swiss Francs for four days.

At first, I wasn’t sure if the passes would be worth it, but it didn’t take long to see the value. With train rides costing around 10-15 CHF and the Mannlichen cable car ride 38CHF, costs can quickly add up. 

But more than anything, having the pass gave me the freedom to travel around without worrying about costs, and ultimately, it felt like I was getting so much more than I paid for.

4 Day Itinerary in Wengen

Day 1: Exploring the Heights of Wengen

My first day in Wengen started with a trip up to Mannlichen. After a short but scenic cable car ride, I was greeted by some of the most breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. The weather was perfect, and I couldn’t wait to start the famous Royal Walk, which offers jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Eiger, Mönch, and Jungfrau mountains. It’s only short, but a great introduction.

Next, I hit the Panorama Trail, a slightly longer trek that takes you along a ridge with great views in the Grindelwald direction. It was just an hour or so before I arrived in Kleine Scheidegg, a charming mountain station nestled between the towering peaks.

As I’d only arrived mid-afternoon, there was just time to get back down to Wengen and head for a viewpoint that I’d made a note of after seeing it on a Youtube video. Just by the church at the top of the village, you can see all the way down the Lauterbrunnen valley.

And I timed it perfectly as the sun started to dip, casting a golden glow over everything and settling on the snow-capped tips of the surrounding mountains.. It was the perfect end to the day.

Day 2: A Glimpse of the Glacier

Day two in Wengen was all about getting a feel for the village. I spent the morning wandering around and scouting out potential spots for food and drink.

I also took a quick stroll to the Co-op near the train station, which turned out to be the most budget-friendly option for lunch by far. Every day, I grabbed a selection of hams, cheeses, and bread rolls – perfect for a simple picnic later on – and tucked everything into my rucksack.

Then, I hopped on a couple of trains for the scenic journey up to Eigergletscher. The route was a real treat, with the train chugging through stunning landscapes, passing through tunnels and offering jaw-dropping views of the surrounding mountains.

When I arrived at Eigergletscher, the cool mountain air hit me immediately – it was such a refreshing change after the warmth in Wengen. I spent some time walking around, taking in the views of the mighty Eiger and the glacier itself. 

It was incredible to see it up close, but also sad to learn how much the glacier has receded in recent years.

The real adventure began when I decided to walk all the way back down to Wengen – a fantastic way to spend my first full day. The trail heads alongside the railway line all the way down to Kleine Scheidigg, where I stopped for a bite to eat and a local beer.

The path down to Wengen is well surfaced, with great views of the mountains in all directions. It’s a pretty easy walk, which most people should be able to handle quite easily.

On the way down, I made a quick stop at the Innerwengen Chair Lift, which was a reminder of how different Wengen must look during the winter season. It was hard to imagine the area blanketed in snow when everything around me was green and lush.

By the time I got back to the village, I was ready to wind down with a takeaway pizza from Eat & Go Wengen. I ate it in the village square, accompanied by a cold locally produced beer called Rugenbrau.

Day 3: Grindelwald And A Race Against the Weather

Day 3 was all about venturing to the nearby town of Grindelwald, and it again began with a scenic chairlift ride up to Mannlichen, where the views were already stunning.

From Mannlichen, I hopped on the Grindelwald Express for a dramatic descent down into the valley, which takes about 20 minutes. 

Once in Grindelwald, I caught the train into the centre, walked along the Main Street, before catching another chairlift up to First, one of the most popular mountain destinations in the area.

First is known for its range of thrilling activities. You can try everything from the First Flyer zip line to the Cliff Walkbridge that hangs over the mountainside, but there was a catch: the queues were long – really long! 

Some activities had waits of hours, and since we hadn’t pre-booked, I decided to skip them. If you’re planning to do any of these activities, I’d definitely recommend booking in advance and arriving early to avoid the crowds. That said, watching the go-karts hurtling down the hill under the chairlift looked like great fun, and definitely something I’d like to try on another trip.

Instead, I took a walk to Bachalpsee, a stunning mountain lake that sits high up in the hills. I got some great photos here with the clear water reflecting the towering peaks.

After lunch, I started my walk back down the mountain, but the weather began to change. Thunder rumbled ominously in the distance, and the air grew heavy with the promise of a storm. I could feel the pressure to keep moving as the weather closed in.

Thankfully, I managed to stay ahead of the storm and met the cable car at the halfway station. I got back to Grindelwald just as the rain began to pour, but my journey wasn’t over yet. The chairlift back to Wengen was closed due to high winds, which meant I had to make my way back to Wengen by train.

I took the train from Grindelwald to Lauterbrunnen, where I had to change and catch another train back to Wengen. It ended up being a bit of a lengthy and busy journey, but I was just glad to be heading back to the comfort of my hotel.

Day 4: Swiss Traditions and Fireworks in the Rain

After the storm on Day 3, I was hoping for better weather on Day 4 – and thankfully, the skies cleared, offering a beautiful, crisp morning. I set out on foot for a walk down from Wengen to Lauterbrunnen. 

The path weaves its way through the woodland, and is quite steep in places – but it’s worth it for the views.

The valley here is just breathtaking, with waterfalls tumbling down both sides, creating a dramatic, natural spectacle. Lauterbrunnen itself is one of the most stunning villages in Switzerland, but it’s also become incredibly popular in recent years, attracting visitors from all over the world.

It’s easy to see why, with its charming village centre and the impressive waterfalls that surround it. 

I spent most of the morning wandering around the village, enjoying the atmosphere and taking in the beautiful scenery. I also took a walk to one of the nearby waterfalls, where you can actually climb up a series of stairs carved into the rock and find yourself inside the waterfall itself. It was an incredible experience, standing within the mist and hearing the roar of the water all around me. 

After that, I headed back into town, just in time to witness a local parade. It was Swiss National Day, and the residents of Lauterbrunnen were out in full force to celebrate.

The parade was full of colour, tradition, and excitement, with people ringing cowbells that were so loud, they almost deafened you! There was live music, dancers, and plenty of sweets being tossed into the crowd.

After the parade, I knew I had to head back to Wengen to catch the fireworks later that night. I decided to hike the Panorama Trail once again for some final views, but, just like the day before, the weather didn’t want to cooperate.

As I reached the top, we were hit by a huge thunderstorm, with torrential rain that came out of nowhere. I sought shelter in a mountain restaurant for about an hour, watching the storm rage outside.

Once the rain lightened up, I made our way back down to Wengen, grabbed a takeaway pizza, and headed to the village square to settle in for the evening. The rain was still pouring, but the fireworks show went on without a hitch.

Despite the wet conditions, the atmosphere was electric, with everyone huddled together in anticipation. The fireworks were spectacular – well worth the soggy wait – and it was the perfect way to end my time in Wengen and the wider Jungfrau area.

Responsible Tourism Tips for Visiting Wengen

As a popular destination nestled in the Swiss Alps, it’s important to visit Wengen and the wider Jungfrau region with respect for both the environment and the local community.

Here are a few responsible tourism tips that I’ve pulled together based on my experience, to help ensure that Wengen remains as beautiful and peaceful as it is today:

1. Respect Nature
   Stick to marked trails when hiking to preserve the landscape and avoid disturbing local wildlife. The mountains here are sensitive ecosystems, so try to minimize your impact by staying on designated paths, especially in high-altitude areas like Kleine Scheidegg or Bachalpsee.
2. Choose Eco-friendly Transportation
   One of the best things about Wengen is that it’s car-free. If you’re planning to explore other parts of the region, consider using the Swiss travel passes or the trains, which provide an eco-conscious way to travel. 
3. Support Local Businesses
   Wengen is a small, tight-knit community, so it’s essential to support local businesses during your visit. Whether it’s dining at family-run restaurants, choosing local shops or staying in independent accommodation, your support helps sustain the local economy.
4. Respect Local Culture and Traditions
   When visiting, take time to learn about Swiss traditions and customs, especially during cultural events like Swiss National Day celebrations. Be mindful of local norms, such as speaking quietly in public places and dressing appropriately for hikes or outdoor activities. 

My Final Thoughts: 4 Days In Wengen

Wengen was everything I hoped it would be and more. The Swiss Alps are like nowhere else in the world, and Wengen offers the perfect base for exploring them. Whether I was hiking to scenic viewpoints, taking in the mountains, or just enjoying local food and drink, I was so happy.

The train rides through the mountains, the chairlifts to the top, and the quiet walks all added to a sense of adventure. And despite a couple of rainy days, the weather didn’t dampen the experience.

Leaving Wengen was bittersweet. I had experienced so much in just a few days but I know I will be back. I can’t recommend it enough to anyone looking for a combination of adventure, natural beauty, and a genuine escape into the heart of Switzerland.